Prime Minister of Barbados
The prime minister of Barbados is the head of government of Barbados. The prime minister is appointed by the president under the terms of the Constitution. As the nominal holder of executive authority, the president holds responsibility for conducting parliamentary elections and for proclaiming one of the candidates as prime minister.
Prime Minister of Barbados
Five years, renewable indefinitely
30 November 1966
Barbadian dollars $213,334/US$ 106,667 annually[1]
Background[edit]
Sir Grantley Herbert Adams was appointed Barbados' first Premier on 1 February 1953 when Barbados attained full self-government.[2] When Barbados negotiated full political independence from Britain on 30 November 1966, the office was renamed Prime Minister.[3] Despite the renaming, the functions of the office were not significantly changed.
Holders[edit]
There were three premiers prior to independence and there have been eight prime ministers since independence.
Responsibilities[edit]
The prime minister advises the president, appoints ministers, controls a majority in the House of Assembly, and appoints 12 senators. Although the prime minister is appointed by the president of Barbados, they are almost always the leader of the majority party.[5]
Prior to the establishment of the Caribbean Court of Justice in 2005, it was common for Barbadian prime ministers to be nominated to the British Privy Council, whose large membership includes prominent British persons and persons from other Commonwealth nations that continue to share the same person as monarch.
Prime ministers added to the Privy council (by year):